https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:26:28 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons/page/2#post-2399086 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 15:48:15 +0000 Janet 2399086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina, I think your style — retirement or no — is fantastic and suits you so well. I enjoyed this analysis.</p> <p>For me the concept of retirement is a bit meaningless — I don’t think artists ever retire, per se.</p> <p>But my interest in style didn’t wane a bit when I stopped working in an office almost two decades ago. I still enjoy shopping and styling my wardrobe to suit my mood and activities for any given day. And yes, I do attend more “professional” events that warrant some sophistication in my outfits, but the truth is, I could show up in old jeans and a hoodie to judge a photo competition and probably no one would bat an eye — at least the male judges I’ve seen do that! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons/page/2#post-2399066 Sun, 16 Nov 2025 03:35:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2399066@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Jules! I guess I had been surprised at the timing of Irina’s and Runcarla’s retirements before age 60, but Carla says she was fortunate to be able to retire then and Irina says her job had been stressful for a few years. One of my medical school friends had her husband have to retire early after he was laid off from a telecommunications job, he is over 65 now but wasn’t at the time and could not find another job, so her income was their only income for some while- thankfully it was a good one as she is a haematologist, and I do realise that for many decades a lot of families lived on one income. So yes, people being laid off is definitely a reason here too. I am sorry you were laid off and hope you get something else good next year. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons/page/2#post-2399042 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 23:11:48 +0000 Jules 2399042@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I took the last year as a kind of practice retirement after being laid off after 25 years at the same company. I do hope to go back to full time work sometime next year. Biggest observation is that with a bit of effort I wore&nbsp;a lot of my winter office clothes out to dinner etc, but my carefully curated summer office items (linen suiting pieces, mostly) went completely untouched. Although I loved the menopause and hot summer outfits I had figured out for work they just didn't translate to casual life the same way. Maybe just because my summer evening out style is relaxed and a bit boho? And we spend time at the cottage which is uber casual.</p> <p>Jenni, in Canada we do get one of the government old age supplements only at 65. The other one can be collected at age 60 but at a reduced amount. I would say that a lot of people retire early because they get laid off from corporations, so it's not entirely voluntary. Being laid off at age 50 is very typical (it's what happened to me). People who have good public service jobs including teaching typically can't be laid off or not as easily, but tend to have good pensions that may even pay their full amount well before 65 depending on their years of service etc. So most teachers will retire before 65, my husband who works at a university reaches full pension status at 62 I believe, etc. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons/page/2#post-2398922 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 21:35:29 +0000 Lisa 2398922@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Congratulations on your first year of retirement! I'm not there yet, but I enjoy reading all of the insights on this thread.&nbsp;</p> <p>If I had to guess, my retirement wardrobe will be heavy with&nbsp;gear and athleisure most of the time because I already wear a fair amount of that with WFH. I'll probably have a similar sized amount of casual run errands, go to dinner, other out of the house activity clothes because I will be home most of the time. And I'd have no more business clothing because it won't be needed.</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons/page/2#post-2398799 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:18:52 +0000 Irina 2398799@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Karen23</b>, oh, it’s tough when you have limited options of brick and mortar stores. Good luck with ordering online.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>Sloper</b>, I was the same - felt I couldn’t waste money on weekend clothes. I had one pair of sneakers and 2 pairs of jeans for years until both were allowed to be worn in the office.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><b>elena</b>, probably mistakes are unavailable in these first years of retirement. I thought I knew better in the beginning of this year and still…More wardrobe editing is coming up next year for me.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you all who participated, such interesting and insightful responses.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons/page/2#post-2398763 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:13:29 +0000 elena 2398763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I’m enjoying this discussion! One more thought, based on Sloper’s comment that the weekend is only 2 days, so why have many casual clothes. I fell into that mindset too, but more negatively - I basically started thinking it wasn’t worth having nice things at all, since I rarely used them. And I love clothes, shopping, and fashion! I was fortunate to have the means to retire at age 61, because it was honestly a matter of mental health for me to free myself from that tedious WFH job, move to a better location for me, and start getting more active and happier. </p> <p>I ruthlessly culled old clothes when I moved and still found I’d hung on to too much stuff I wasn’t using. I think I get anxious if my closet seems empty! But once I realized I didn’t have much I wanted to wear, I did a whole bunch of shopping, and of course I made loads of mistakes. Now I pay better attention to what’s working (there’s been a bit of churn) and have learned to stick to a silhouette - wide pants/jeans, flat shoes (usually low profile sneakers), boxy-ish tops, crossbody bag - and color palette - mostly deeper shades of blue, green, a bit of cool reds/pinks, with bIack or navy neutrals. It makes shopping and dressing much simpler and I can still add my own personality without it being a whole new puzzle every day. I have learned to be cautious about impulse purchases, especially second hand, and to not buy hard to care for fabrics. I have shrunk otherwise destroyed a few thrifted silk and rayon pieces recently! I do lead a very casual life and don’t need that kind of thing anyway! </p> <p>Anyway, fun thread. I’ve enjoyed reading all your insights! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398736 Wed, 12 Nov 2025 01:22:37 +0000 Sloper 2398736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What an interesting and fun read this has been!<div><br /></div><div>I stopped working at 55 for health reasons. &nbsp;For the first 2-3 years I thought I’d go back to work, and continued to buy a few things in anticipation. &nbsp;Well that didn’t happen, so it’s been a very casual lifestyle for some years.</p> <p>While I was working, I felt I could never justify buying many casual things, because the weekend was only two days. &nbsp;DH and I are also homebodies, so no need for extensive travel or event wardrobes. &nbsp;I had lots of work clothes and a very few jeans, tees, or over-size shirts for the weekend.</p> <p>I’ve generally stuck to the same color palette for my casual clothes - grays, olive, ivory, denim. &nbsp;Interestingly the blacks and navies of my work days have gone. &nbsp;I have added more stripes and bits of orange. &nbsp;And some leather jackets that I love.</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398732 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:55:14 +0000 karen23 2398732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p> <div>I retired a year and a half ago.</div><div>I had been wearing mostly khakis, knit tops and cardigans to work.&nbsp; When working from home it was mostly the same thing, maybe jeans, maybe a loose-fitting dress in summer.</div><div>I didn't know what to expect in retirement.&nbsp; My guess was that I'd be wearing jeans more, but still wearing khakis some, and occasionally wanting to dress up.&nbsp; (It wasn't too far off.)&nbsp; I thought I'd be able to do some shopping in person, replace my Serious Black Suit capsule, make some dresses.&nbsp; (I've only been shopping locally so far, or online.)</div><div>The khakis were discontinued a couple of years earlier &amp; most looked kind of worn out.&nbsp; Skinny jeans, ankle pants are mostly what stores had here (not my thing).&nbsp; It took a while to find a decent replacement (ordering chinos off the Lee web site.&nbsp; They are OK.)</div><div>I could use more smart casual, and two or three dresses.</div><div>I still don't have a replacement for the items in the Serious Black Suit capsule that wore out.&nbsp; I bought some ponte pants that I haven't worn yet.&nbsp; I plan on sewing a cotton/linen skirt.&nbsp; No one topper is going to go with both, but we're wearing coats now anyway.</div><div><br /></div></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398720 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:39:58 +0000 Irina 2398720@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Carol</b>, I hardly ever need to feel cute but I’m with you on getting dressed better at home :)&nbsp;<br /><b>cat2</b>, I do, too still have a lot of my working clothes. I just wear it with denim for more casual look. Maybe, I will be ready to let go more next year.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>JAileen</b>, I wear my winter uniform of sweatpants and turtlenecks now, since it’s winter here already. But I want to diversify my home wear more.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398719 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:31:27 +0000 Irina 2398719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Star,&nbsp;</b>thank you for your kind words. I often regret venturing out of my color palette. I can do it in the summer months with more confidence.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>Slim cat</b>, thanks!&nbsp;<br /></div><div><b>Jaime,&nbsp;</b>thank you. I have to admit that some silhouettes that used to work for me, don’t anymore. But I’m trying other, new to me cuts. Moving on!<br /><b>RobinF</b>, thank you. I would be interested in seeing your wardrobe’s transformation in a few years.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398718 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 19:18:37 +0000 Irina 2398718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>DonnaF</b>, I love that you have an audience for your outfits!<br /><b>Sal</b>, my DH used to work 3-4 days a week and I thought we will spend more time together but he accepted a new job and now works full time with no immediate plans to retire. Go figure, these boys!<br /><b>Debbie</b>, thanks! Nicer loungewear is on my list, too.&nbsp;<div><b>RunCarla,&nbsp;</b>I followed your journey from the office attire to retirement wardrobe. You are still an inspiration to me when it comes to maintaining the smaller wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398717 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:03:56 +0000 JAileen 2398717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><div>Congratulations on your retirement! &nbsp;It’s definitely a process to figure out the new you, and what you like to wear in a completely different life.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div>My day to day cool weather outfit is very casual: nylon hiking pants, long sleeve tee and fleece vest. &nbsp;When I went grey I started buying Eddie Bauer’s long sleeve tees in charcoal. &nbsp;I have them in lots of colors now. &nbsp;This outfit works for whatever comes up: impromptu birding outing, dog walking, cooking, or a trip to the hardware store. &nbsp;<br /><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday I “dressed up” for a meeting and several people complimented me on my outfit. &nbsp;I think they were surprised to see me wearing something different.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398712 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 16:29:02 +0000 cat2 2398712@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was several years into transitioning to business casual, and then did a panic shop for washable WFH. And an ankle injury had already caused me to buy flats. So I didn’t need to make any drastic changes. My current mix is 1/3 bought for work, remixed in with more casual pieces. I have figured out that I still like structure and buy trouser and jean cuts in more casual fabrics. I also have been enjoying the more streamlined versions of cargo pants and skirts. My fall additions were corduroy, brown loafers and a brown bag. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398708 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:24:59 +0000 Carol 2398708@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have been out of work the past year, and no kids, so sort of like retirement. If I have noticed one thing, it is the need to feel cute while being around the house. I live alone, but still like to feel cute. I can get fully dressed, as if I'm going to work, but that doesn't always feel right. Having comfy but stylish house things, like popover dresses, flannel shirts, and linen pants, is a great in-between.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398703 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:55:30 +0000 RobinF 2398703@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love your style and it seems to have only gotten better in retirement.&nbsp;</p> <p>I hope to retire in 3 years or so but am already thinking ahead to how that might change the way I dress. I imagine I will dress like I do on the weekends, which is jeans and tees/sweaters. But I dress pretty casually for work too so maybe it will be more of a meld between the two - hard to say. </p> <p>Right now, in my head, I have "work clothes" and "home clothes" so that will be one big change.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398701 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:33:40 +0000 Jaime 2398701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Irina you look fabulous and your insights about uniform dressing resonate. For me the through line is silhouette - I am slowly realizing that some work and some do not and that is ok. I am still working and will do so for at least the foreseeable future - as far as I can predict. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398692 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 06:00:31 +0000 slim cat 2398692@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You were always very stylish lady, Irina - before and after retirement ( it just got better and better )! I love your casual but polished style - it's inspiring. <br />I don't think I'll be able to retire ever - mostly for financial reasons. I hope to switch to part time work sometime after 2030 - lol.<br />I'll probably need to change somewhat my dressing style before that time - if I can figure out what my "more mature" style will be . </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398689 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 05:34:48 +0000 Star (Lise) 2398689@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My retirement coincided with moving continents which has major climate differences. So double learning curve! Here I found international second hand stores offering really fabulous items at super low prices. Second hand clothing is not a thing where I come from so initially I was apprehensive. The first year I really struggled trying to just find practical weather appropriate clothing that actually looked and felt good. I had never really needed a warm coat in my life! The first one I got has long been donated, such a blah colour on me. Also trying to find my feet with the dress code in this area. I like to be individualistic but still need to identify within my tribe up to a point. Eventually a stylish friend told me lots of people buy second hand so I ventured in to a store and being overwhelmed by so much variety bought way too much stuff with no style direction or practicality. Long story short I found YLF and now have a far better handle on my wants and needs. Btw when I was working I interviewed people from a home office environment so my work dress code was only amped up for occasional client visits, so that part of the transition was less difficult for me, although most of my clothes were not appropriate for the weather here, and I brought alot with me!<br /> I have found staying within a colour palette really helpful as well as using my style moniker when assessing a possible new to me item. I have become a more uniform dresser now. High five to those who need smaller bags and comfortable shoes! I now do lots more walking in a day than I did in a month when I was working.<br /> IRINA I cannot believe a year has passed since you retired. It seems like just recently you mentioned it. I'm with ANGIE that your retirement style is looking better than ever. Maybe you allowing more of your own personality to come through, for example in your bag and shoe choices? I say this because my work outfits were less about my own personality. Grownup Tomgirl conducting interviews and assessing job candidates was not my sought after look ;). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398685 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 02:11:00 +0000 Carla 2398685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From the outfits you’ve shared with us, I’d say you have a stylish retirement well in sight. &nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>It’s been 7 years since I retired - no regrets and not a dull moment! &nbsp;(I was fortunate to be able to retire early - and only start collecting OAS (Old Age Security) benefits this month!). &nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>There are very few things in my closet from pre-retirement. &nbsp;A couple of tops, and some accessories - bags, hats, scarves. &nbsp;Agree with <b>Roberta. &nbsp;</b>Casual summer&nbsp;outfits were always a weak point, and this was magnified when I retired. &nbsp;Summer 2024 was good, and this summer better, so I’m feeling sorted. &nbsp;Like you, I struggle integrating a trouser into everyday casual, or even dressy casual - so jeans it is! &nbsp;I swing between classic and sporty elements.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the closet is smaller - but I still crave variety, and like to play with trends.&nbsp;</div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398682 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:58:38 +0000 Debbie 2398682@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will be retired one year December31st. I have found that I have enough dressy clothes but I need to concentrate on a little more of a casual look. I have not bought a lot this year but I have a couple of things on my list. Nicer loungewear. A pair of brown pants and a pair of brown boots.&nbsp;<div><br /></div><div>Summer was interesting because I have a ton of dresses that weren’t always practical for not working.</p> <p><div>Irina your style is something to aspire to.</div></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398679 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:14:50 +0000 LJP 2398679@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>About half of my friends of my age ( 64) still work .</p> <p>And artists and writers never retire , do they Suz ? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398678 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 01:02:19 +0000 Sal 2398678@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting to read these conclusions and musings. All the retired people on the forum are very stylish and inspiring about this stage of life.</p> <p>At 55 I am a few years off and the way DH is going we seem to be working harder....he's keen on growing and expanding the business.</p> <p>I think/hope that with more time, I might buy more second hand and my ironing might be more up to date...... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398676 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:52:13 +0000 DonnaF 2398676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I retired at the end of last year -- but I only went into the office once a week where I felt I needed to look like a lawyer in case any clients/potential clients came in. But then in June I became a civil grand juror and have ZOOM meetings twice a week, so only my top half and not my footwear shows for those.</p> <p>So my life hasn't changed all that much -- except I lean harder into my most comfortable footwear, my sparkly silver Crocs. Finding jeans that fit well is quite a chore, and I will never love athleisure, leggings, and most sneakers. Pre-YLF I may have been a uniform dresser, but these days I enjoy putting together outfits based on the weather forecast since I have become exceptionally temperature sensitive.</p> <p>My biggest and most embarrassing challenge? Apparently I am a source of entertainment for folks at church who check out what I'm wearing each week. Nobody, including me dresses up, but I also don't wear blue jeans or black pants, TNF jacket, and athletic shoes.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398675 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 00:08:57 +0000 Irina 2398675@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suz</b>, yes, footwear is a constant challenge now. But I don’t duplicate shoes often but probably will at some point.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>LJP</b>, what I like about second hand shopping is that sometimes it’s possible to find a piece I missed. It happened to me more than once. I have this special occasion silk tunic from EF. It had a matching pants but they were not available when I bought the tunic from The Bay. A few years later I found pants second hand!<br /><b>Jenni NZ</b>, thank you! we retire at 65 in Canada, too. My last few working years were very stressful and for now I can’t bring myself to look for a job. Maybe I will at some point, who knows. But I always wanted to retire early. I’m sorry to hear about your health issues. I also had a fair share of those this year. It seems I have an appointment with one medical practitioner or another every month!<br /></div><div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398674 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:52:36 +0000 Irina 2398674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>elena</b>, I like the idea of adding at least one interesting item per outfit. Since I’m not into colors or patterns in clothing, I’m now looking for such things in shoes or bags.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>Angie</b>, I don’t know if I enjoy fashion now more. I certainly don’t miss some moments of desperation when I needed to replace a workhorse item. Or when I urgently needed a pair of comfortable and presentable boots to walk through downtown to the office. I now buy two pairs - one comfortable and one presentable :)<br /><b>Roberta</b>, I sold my office bag once I retired. WFH eased the transition for me. I found that I didn’t have enough casual but nice clothing in the beginning of WFH, when we were in the on camera meetings every day.&nbsp;<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398672 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:48:28 +0000 Jenni NZ 2398672@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Irina, this is really helpful thank you so much! I also missed wishing you a happy 60th birthday last month, I was in Vietnam and busy. I agree with others on that thread about how great you look. I am kind of amazed at the North American Fabbers being able to retire so young, before 60. Not many people in NZ retire before 65 which is when we get a Government pension (if we have lived here the prescribed amount of time). I will be 65 next year and feel conflicted about retiring. I can receive the pension and continue to work if I wish, but am not sure. My career is a huge part of my identity but I had some health issues this year and am working less. Thankfully an operation I had in July has helped me somewhat.<br /> Giving up my work wardrobe will be hard! It does cross over a lot with what I wear at the weekends and on days off as well since quite often I like to be a bit dressier than the environmental norm.<br /> Great comments on this thread. I will refer back to it I am sure. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398671 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:35:36 +0000 Irina 2398671@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Dee</b>, like you, I switched from trousers to jeans. Although, there were no restrictions on wearing jeans to the office, I mostly wore pants &nbsp; Probably, just inertia on my part. I tried to wear trousers casually this year but it doesn’t often feel authentic to me, only for special occasions.&nbsp;<br /><div><b>LJP</b>, I don’t feel I need a justification to buy new clothes. I’m retired, not dead My needs for new things decreased but not my interest. It is deeply personal, I know. I’m within my means and I’m trying my best in regards of my environmental impact. That includes buying and selling used clothing.&nbsp;<br /></div><div><b>Pirouette,&nbsp;</b>Yes to uniforms dressing and buying second hand! Post more, please! I like your style!<br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398670 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 23:02:09 +0000 LJP 2398670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Your comments are interesting - all. &nbsp;I can see myself in Roberta's situation with not having enough every day summer clothes. &nbsp;Also nodding in agreement with not needing huge bags/purses anymore.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like Elena's comment about not paying attention to trends and instead focusing on how you want to present yourself . &nbsp;I'm almost there now. &nbsp;I think purchasing second hand could become even more important as we move out of front-facing careers and into the background, as it were. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398666 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:27:24 +0000 Suz 2398666@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I will never retire. (Not a joke.)&nbsp;</p> <p>But there might come a time when I am not working much if at all outside the home.&nbsp;</p> <p>Will it change my style? Possibly. During Covid, I did not wear my dressier or more structured items as often, and it made me sad to see them languishing in the closet. So I made opportunities to put them on -- "at home date night dinners" (wearing a skirt and silk blouse) or challenges to wear different colours together, etc. Even so, I found I did not need as many dressier things.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Irina,</b> I love your renewed retirement style! You've added some great items and you are wearing them in fun combinations. And I love this idea of adding fewer essentials and more statement or icon items. This is something I also need to do for my own pleasure.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think what <b>Dee</b> says about footwear is pertinent to many of us, retired or not. I am also finding footwear a challenge.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/year-1-of-retirement---style-lessons#post-2398665 Mon, 10 Nov 2025 22:25:00 +0000 Roberta 2398665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I discovered I had nowhere near enough casual summer clothes. Most of my summer things had been dresses for work, and they just didn't translate. I had to go out and buy shorts and t-shirts and walking sandals. I also retired a lot of my handbags because they were too big. I was used to carrying things to and from work; sometimes a pair of shoes, a couple of books, etc. Now I just need room for my phone and my keys and my wallet. (That was kind of sad.) I had about a half dozen pairs of shoes that were really only for the office. Either they weren't warm enough outside in the winter, or they weren't good for walking long distances. Those went out the door as well. </p> <p>It was a really interesting time, all things considered. I enjoyed looking at my wardrobe and lifestyle in a very different way. It's a time when you can reinvent yourself if you wish. </p>